Throwing a Dessert Party

Mini Chocolate Cakes

Ingredients/Materials:

double boiler
3 oz. bittersweet chocolate
6 Tbs. unsalted butter
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
3 large eggs
ramekins, buttered
1/2 cup chopped semisweet chocolate
whipped cream
chocolate-dipped strawberries (optional)

Preparation:

In a double boiler, place chocolate and butter and allow to melt, stirring with a whisk periodically. Once melted, remove pot and add sugar and vanilla. Thoroughly mix and pour simultaneously until well blended. Add flour and salt, then eggs--one at a time--while stirring continuously.

Pour completed batter into buttered ramekin. Add chocolate chunks onto the top of the batter. Preheat oven to 375 degrees, then place cakes inside right when the first guest arrives. Let cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Add a dollop of whipped cream just before serving. Garnish with chocolate-covered strawberries if desired.

Ingredients/Materials:

dessert glass or martini glass
strawberries, sliced small
granulated sugar
shortcake, cut into small pieces (either store-bought or homemade)
whipped cream
mint sprigs for garnish

Preparation:

Add a small amount of sugar to strawberries. Place a small amount in the bottom of each glass. Add shortcake, then more strawberries. Repeat three times. Finish with strawberries on top and put a whipped cream dollop on top.

• Put a brightly colored tablecloth on your serving table.

• Glue fake daisies to a foam ball and stick lollipops inside for a cute centerpiece. Children can even help with this simple arrangement.

• Don't try to place a limit on the number of desserts you serve.

• Experiment with flavored coffees, which go great with desserts. Juice smoothies work well, too.